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Arch Creek Animal Clinic
Call us today! 305-945-1223
Give us a call today! 305-945-1223

15372 W Dixie Hwy, 
North Miami Beach,
FL 33162

Meet The Pug

October 1 2021

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. It doesn’t matter if they’re sleek, fluffy, big, or small: we love all of them! The pug is one of the most beloved and unique-looking pups out there. Fido’s cute face and expressive eyes have definitely earned him some very loyal fans! In this article, a local veterinarian talks about this cute pup.

History

Originally, pugs were bred as companion dogs for ancient Chinese nobles. They were the favored pets of several Emperors. As you might expect, being the Emperor’s top dog is a pretty sweet gig. Those lucky pugs had completely luxurious lives, even having their own guards. Buddhist monks also kept them as pets in Tibet. Pugs were brought to Europe in the 16th century. Unsurprisingly they soon charmed everyone. The famous painter, Goya, used pugs in his paintings. In Italy, pugs were allowed to ride in the front seats of private carriages, often dressed in tiny replicas of their coachmen’s outfit. Queen Victoria also had an affinity for pugs. These little dogs even became the official dog of the House Of Orange. There’s an interesting story behind that one: a pug alerted his owner, the Prince of Orange, that assassins were approaching, thereby saving his life. (We’re assuming he got lots of bacon and belly rubs after that.)

America

Pugs made it to the United States in the 19th century. In 1885, the AKC welcomed the pug into its ranks. In 1931, he got his own club: The Pug Dog Club Of America. In 1981, one pug, named Dhandys Favorite Woodchuck, took first prize at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Care

Pugs, being brachycephalic, have very short airways, and can easily get out of breath. You don’t want to overexert your pug, as this can cause respiratory distress. But, you also shouldn’t let him become a total couch potato. Too much inactivity can lead to obesity, which can cause or contribute to a plethora of health problems. Ask your vet for more information on caring for your little buddy.

Temperament

Cute and cuddly, pugs are often referred to by the phrase Multum in parvo, which translates to ‘a lot of dog in a small space’ in pug Latin. Although stubborn, pugs are rarely aggressive, and they tend to be incredibly patient with children. Although playful, they take nap time very seriously. Pugs are known for sticking close to their humans, a trait which often leads to them being referred to as shadows.

Do you have questions about caring for pugs? Contact your local animal clinic in North Miami, FL!